cordova
bay.............life takes on a whole new meaning from here
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EVENTS CALENDAR |
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Remembrance
Day
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An
October Windstorm!
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As we turn back the clocks and watch
the daylight fade,
some of us give up on golf, until Spring brings warmer days.
We know there'll be some visits, from ol' Jack Frost real soon,
as he tries to stop the play until sometimes it's near noon.
Some wind will likely blow, and some rain will surely fall,
but that won't stop our golfers, no, not one bit at all!
Cause no matter what the season, you visit us to play
you'll surely see the reason, we love Cordova Bay
Until next month, Play On, Play Fair, Play Well!
 Prioritee
Member Reminders! |
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Lance McCullough "Lights It Up" In '05
Congratulations are due to our very own Assistant Professional, Lance McCullough, for a very strong year, on at least two fronts. Lance made time to maintain and improve his competitive game this year as his results in competitive play proved. He had strong showings in most every event that he entered, a summary of which follows:
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Lance was very steady, as his numbers show, and he was able to minimize the severity of his errors when they happened. His short game was in good working order. He also attributes a significant portion of his success to a change in his driver. Fellow Cordova Bay professional Brian Hann, fit Lance for a driver that was significantly different than any driver that he had used in the past. One of the major changes in the blueprint of the club was a significant increase in the loft of the clubhead. By changing from an 8 ½ to a 13 degree driver, Lance found that he was able to hit the ball consistently straighter all season, without sacrificing anything on the average distance of his tee balls. That is a very important consideration for someone who generates in the neighbourhood of 118 m.p.h. clubhead speed. As an added bonus, he was also able to utilize the same motion with the driver as he knew he wanted with the irons. The game got a little simpler.
Lance was also very busy and effective at his "day job" in
2005. At the recent British Columbia PGA Awards Dinner held in Penticton,
Lance was honoured with recognition as the "Assistant Golf Professional
of the Year". He was ultimately chosen over three very qualified
professionals from the three different geographic regions of BC. Lance's
background, education, dedication and professionalism, combined with his
many positive contributions to the game as an employee of Cordova Bay
Golf Course, were the factors that led to his earning this prestigious
designation. Well done Lance!!!
"StaySharp"
During the next 5 months, our professional staff have brewed up a program designed exclusively for Cordova Bay Mens’ and Ladies’ Club Members to promote ongoing learning and game improvement through the cooler months. It's called "free advice"
Not
that free advice is entirely unique, and you probably get healthy doses
of it when playing golf with your buddies. The difference with this case
is that we are offering up free professional advice, and
it’s an offering that we extend only to our membership, building
on the feedback that we received from members who had the opportunity
to join us last year for Club Golf 152. It's our way of showing our gratitude,
as you keep our wheels turning through the shorter days of Fall, Winter
and early Spring.
Each of you should have received your invitation recently, if not, here
are the full details of our StaySharp
program.
Good Golfing To You,
Brian
Hann,
Lead Teaching Professional
Jody
Jackson, Not Just Another Pretty Face!!!
In addition to an -ever-lovely smiling face, Jody Jackson, LPGA, has been making some very significant headway in the teaching department lately.
For those of you who don't know, Jody recently completed her Class A certification with the LPGA Teaching & Club Professionals in Florida. This distinguishes her as one of the top female teaching professionals in North America, something to make us at Cordova Bay very proud!!! Jody has also been recognized as one of the top producers in the teaching and clubfitting department, an honour which has won her a trip to the Henry-Griffitt's Superschool in California. A chance for her to learn even more!
Jody specializes not just in clubfitting and teaching but is also a certified yoga instructor. Everything she teaches in fitness is geared towards golf and making your body more fit to withstand injuries and make that little ball go even further! We are looking forward to more outstanding programs from her in the Spring!
*
A Guaranteed Improvement Program From
Brian Hann Golf Coaching Services *
Join me for a unique program
that integrates both physical and mental coaching. I have joined forces
with Terrans Enterprises of Queensland,
Les Terrans has developed a toolbox of mental helpers to ease your mind on the golf course. I have tweaked some of the concepts to put my own spin on things based on my experiences and those of my students.
Arrive with an open mind and prepare to plan your way to improvement, rather than simply rolling the dice, or worse, spinning your wheels.
The program is offered at $325 (including tax)
To register, call 658-4444, Extension 241.
Class size is limited to 8 people per session.
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SESSION ‘A’ TUES.
EVENINGS NOV. 15, 22, 29 AND DEC. 6 7:00 – 8:30 P.M. and SAT.
AFTERNOONS NOV. 19, 26 AND DEC. 3, 10 1:00 – 2:30 P.M. |
SESSION ‘B’ WED.
EVENINGS NOV. 16, 23, 30 AND DEC. 7 7:00 - 8:30 P.M. and SAT.
AFTERNOONS NOV. 19, 26 AND DEC. 3, 10 2:45 - 4:15 P.M. |
Brian
Hann
CPGA Teaching Professional
Cordova
Bay's World Golf Tour - Scotland/Ireland 2006
And the adventure continues! Join me as the Cordova Bay’s World Golf Tour continues in 2006 with a great trip to Scotland and Ireland with an option to extend your stay to attend the Ryder Cup in Dublin. This price would include Airfare, Hotels, Golf Fees, Private Coach transportation, 14 breakfasts, and 4 dinners. If you are interested, please drop by the ProShop, or e-mail me directly at jim.goddard@cordovabaygolf.com.
Don't Delay - Deadline For Deposit Is November 30th!!!
A Winter Golf Escape!
What's
Cooking At Bill Mattick's?
(by Karna Townsend, Floor Manager)
Hello Fall! I won't say "rain" out loud as this will surely bring it so I will keep shouting sunshine!This glorious weather is keeping spirits high and tummies hungry.
We have had a great October with you as our patrons, the Ladies' Club events, private functions, golf tournaments and of course the ever popular Oktoberfest. We were also privileged to host a really special event on October 20. Mattick's Merchants organized a wonderful fundraiser for breast cancer. With the use of Bill Mattick's Restaurant, this dinner event and silent auction raised a "whopping" $10,000! We are very proud to be able to help contribute to such a worthy cause.
Our great staff (with Aaron Weber and Mark Laman as our new additions), will be creating a fabulous New Year's Eve Dinner & Dance Event. Our invitations will be sent out very soon with details. As this will be our first New Year's Eve debut, we are extremely excited to have you join us so keep an eye on your e-mails from Cordova Bay Golf Course. You can reserve your spot now by calling Bill Mattick's @ 658-4271 or e-mail me directly at karna.townsend@cordovabaygolf.com.
Thanks again for your patronage and we hope to see all of you real soon.
The Ridge Course ran an experiment for the month of October. Tee markers were removed and players were allowed to pick their own tee spot. During the last week of the month, pumpkin tee markers (set up for the Ridge Regulars Fall Classic Tournament), were placed on the course and players were given the option to play from the markers or still pick their own spot. Extra markers were placed on three of the longer holes to give the golfer two varying distances for the front nine and the back nine. This was very well received and it was decided that in April of 2006, two sets of tee markers, both the same colour, will be placed on each hole. The hope is that players will use a different tee box each round and help spread out the wear & tear on the tee boxes.
Winter golf at the Ridge Course is generally very enjoyable and dry. Built on a former gravel pit, the Ridge handles rainwater very well thus making for, arguably, the driest golf conditions of any course in Victoria. To make things even better, a Winter Passport Golf Card is now available, and each golfer will receive one with the purchase of a 10-game punchcard. The punchcard sells for $109, a $1.10 savings per round compared to the regular rate of $12 for 9 holes. The Winter Passport provides customers with savings of $65 or more. The card provides 10 complimentary coffee, tea or hot chocolate, three snacks, three short game passes and three putting course games plus a 15% discount off of all regularly priced merchandise rounds out the savings. For more information, you can call the ProShop @ 658-3996 or stop by for a visit. And don't forget our Ridge Café! It's a popular little coffee shop that also offers freshly made sandwiches, soups, wraps and desserts. Dry golf and fresh food, a healthy combination during the Victoria winter golf season. See you at The Ridge!
Pro-Spective(by Brian Hann, Associate/Teaching CPGA Professional)
PUTTING GREEN ETIQUETTE
In response to a request from one of our members, I am writing a few notes outlining some do's and don'ts on the putting green. Your actions will have no negative impact on the others with whom you are playing, if you have a clear understanding of the etiquette. Here are a few things to help you on your next trip around the course.
DO:
- begin to "read" your putt well before you set foot on the green by taking note of the overall topography of the greensite and surrounding area as you approach from the fairway.
- have a quick look at your putt from the side angle, to get an accurate visual measurement of the total distance of your putt, and to note any change in elevation.
- make your preparations and commit to a plan before it is your turn. Be aware of not interrupting the player with the honour with your preparations.
- putt continuously when reasonable, as this will help your group's pace of play. The alternative is quite cumbersome, when all players in the group mark their ball after the first putt that they hit, then have to replace the ball and go through an entire routine again, and perhaps again, and again….
DON'T:
- walk across the line of someone else who is getting a read on their putt.
- take forever when deciding on your strategy and/or reading the green. When you take too much time, you are simply planting the seeds of indecision.
- ask your partner for a "read" whenever you have a mid/long range putt. They usually make assumptions as to the speed you intend to hit the putt, and give you a "read" based on these assumptions, anyways.
- damage the cup or stand too near the cup's edge when retrieving your successful putt.
- walk on someone else's line (intended direction). Be aware, their line also extends beyond the cup for several feet.
- wait for someone else whose ball is off the edge of the green to play if your ball is on the surface but clearly further away. The fact that your ball lies on the green and their ball is off the green does not affect the order of play.
I hope that some of these suggestions will help you with your etiquette
as it relates to putting. Many of these concepts are rather common sense,
but if your habit has formed otherwise, you may be missing out on simple
ways to navigate the course with fewer putts. Most of the challenges that
people face with respect to their putting strategy and etiquette are directly
linked to a lack of awareness or a lack of preparation.
Until next time, Good Golfing To You! Brian
Grounds Updates
(by Dean Piller, Grounds Superintendent)
City of Victoria's Proposed Ban on Pesticides
With the City of Victoria causing quite a stir in the news these past few weeks in regards to their announcement of their proposed ban of pesticides for cosmetic use, I felt compelled to share with you the integrated pest management approach that Cordova Bay Golf Course uses in their disease and weed management programs, and illustrate the need at times to have these products as a last resort.
One of the primary sections we had to complete for the Certification of our golf course as an Audubon Sanctuary was to outline our integrated pest management programs and develop a plan to reduce pesticides use on our properties. In a nutshell, what this program focuses on is to work with Mother Nature in such a way that we are growing strong turf, trees and plants that hopefully will not succumb to the pressures of disease or infestations of weed or pest populations when environmental conditions are right.
An example of working with Nature is best illustrated with our successes in the complete ban of insecticides on our property for the past seven years. Instead of pesticides for the control of damaging insects we have implemented several programs to encourage the populations of natural predators to thrive on our golf course. This includes the introduction of 50,000 lady bugs for aphid control three years ago that have flourished and their populations continue to grow under an insecticide free program.
Our greatest insect pressure annually is a turf grub called Leather Jacket or Cranefly who's greatest enemy is the large bird populations that flourish in Victoria. On any given morning you will find hundreds of seagulls, crows, starlings and other species of birds systematically combing the golf course for these grubs. Because of the fine work the birds carry out for us on a daily basis we encourage their existence here with bird feeders of all sorts placed carefully throughout the property. And third in the line of pests that we manage at the course are the forest tent caterpillars. We used to remove the large caterpillar nests by pruning off the branches that they were on but over the past three seasons the populations of a predator insect have grown to the point this season that we experienced almost complete control of the caterpillars through this natural method. Upon inspection of the caterpillars, if you see a small white spot on the head of the caterpillar this is the egg cluster of the predator so please do not destroy the caterpillar as you will encourage the population of the predator by allowing it to live. In summary, we feel that insecticides are a tool that should not be used unless absolutely necessary and every homeowner should help the natural predators flourish in our city to control unwanted pests.
Weed
control in turf is best accomplished through a good aeration and fertility
program with proper watering practices because there are very few weeds
that can compete against a strong and healthy lawn. One key factor in
maintaining a strong lawn is to ensure adequate fertilization takes place
approximately four times per year. We have found through our experience
at Cordova Bay, that weed infestations usually occur in areas where we
have allowed the turf to become thin as a result of poor fertility. When
this happens, opportunistic plants such as clover, chickweed or dandelions
can quickly move in. There are times when even good management programs
can fail because of outside factors that can weaken the turf through environmental
conditions such as a drought, etc. During these times there is a place
for spot treatment of herbicides to stop the spread of the undesirable
plant. If this is not done, and the weeds are allowed to grow and reproduce,
then the problem can be magnified several thousand times over as most
weed species are very heavy seed producers.
In summary, I feel that most pests can be successfully managed using
natural controls and by working hand in hand with nature to tip the scale
in favor of the desirable plants and insects. When this is achieved and
a competitive edge is provided to the beneficial plants and insects, then
there is very little requirement for pesticide use. However, many of the
pesticides developed today are vastly improved and similar in many ways
to today's antibiotics and modern medicine developed for humans. When
used correctly, pesticides are a useful tool that is safe to the applicator,
general public, and the environment in which they are used.
As summer is coming to an end, and I reflect about the
summer plantings, I can't help but say, what a success
it was. We're going to take a few bragging rights especially
when it came to the container pots we planted this year.
They were absolutely beautiful and we were proud of our
chosen combinations.
It seems everyone else agreed as a number of have asked
for the combination of plants and here they are:
(Butterfly Series)
The pots were filled with a quick draining soil, potting mix and nature's gold. We added osmocote (a slow release fertilizer) to each pot.
When planting these annuals, make sure to have them almost touching one another to ensure that the pots are full by midsummer. We fertilized on alternate weeks with 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer and fish fertilizer. Remember to water the pots every day in peak summer heat and less as nights begin to cool in late September. To extend the life of your annuals, dead-heading the spent blooms really does make a difference to the look and health of the annuals. We pulled the annuals out the last week of October to make room for the winter pansies. And so, another season begins. Happy Gardening! Nellie
Birds
of the BayTurkey Vulture
Cathartes auraa
Length: 26 inches
Wing Span:67 inches
Weight: 41 lbs
Soaring high above open fields and woodlands is the Turkey Vulture; they are most often seen in flight. Their flight pattern is circles with wings in shallow V and rocks unsteadily, when not soaring they have moderate slow steady wing beats. Turkey Vultures circle just above treetops and open fields up to 61 meters high, searching out prey by smell and sight. On summer days and fall afternoons Turkey Vultures are often seen circling above Cordova Bay Golf Course.
Turkey Vultures are similar in size to eagles; they can have a wingspan up to six feet. Their overall colour is brown-black with a featherless, red head, white bill and yellow feet. Male and female are very similar, immature vultures have a darker face. Their red head has made them commonly known as a "buzzard." Wings are two-toned black in front and silver gray flight feathers behind. Turkey Vultures, like most other vultures, have very few vocalization capabilities. They can only utter hisses and grunts.
The Turkey Vultures mainly feed on carrion, but they also enjoy plant matter as well, including shoreline vegetation, pumpkins and other bits of crops. Most of the day they are soaring searching for food by eyesight and highly developed sense of smell. They prefer fresher carrion, they will not eat extremely rotted carrion if fresh is available. Like other carrion birds Turkey Vultures are protected from disease associated with decaying matter by a very sophisticated immune system. Vulture poop is very sanitary; their uric acid is so strong that it kills bacteria. They are great to have around because they clean up roadsides and keep decaying carrion at a low and we then have less disease.
Turkey Vultures are monogamous, they build nests on bare floors of caves, rock out cropping, hollow trees, empty building and rocks on cliffs. They have 1-3 white or cream eggs splashed with brown. Incubation is done by both sexes, also both feed babies by regurgitation. One brood per year.
Look above you on a sunny day and you may be blessed to see one of these ugly but amazing birds soaring in the skies. Or if you are really lucky you may see one eating some carrion which is a gross sight but amazing. Happy Birding....till next time, Lana.
Reminder that that the Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday,
November 20th, following the
Autumn Leaves Tournament.
Outgoing Captain's Message
by Ursula Bolger
Hello ladies! Well, this is my
last message to you as your captain and I have to say that this has been
quite an experience and valuable journey! There’s lots to wrap-up in
this last submission for the “ladies section” of newsletter for this season,
so I’ll get right to it.
Our Annual General Meeting
(AGM) was held on October 11th. Many thanks to Karna, Derek,
Walter and all the Bill Mattick's Restaurant staff for a marvelous job
providing, yet again, a wonderful layout of fabulous desserts, wine, coffee
and great service!
On behalf of
Nomination/Election of New Officers: Kathy Carley, Past Captain presented the new Officers - all were by acclamation. The meeting saw the retirement of myself as Captain, Leanne O'Keeffe as Handicap Chair, Aggie Walle as Sports Chair, Carole Shave as Treasurer, Janet Jones as Social Chair and, elections were held passed to fill the retiring positions with the following new executive:
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Cordova Bay Ladies' Club |
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New Executive Members Vice
Captain: Connie Dykstra Remaining Executive Captain: Jane
Oliver-Brown (previously VC) |
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Members who “placed” in ZONE 5 events
and in CB events such as the Spring Social, Executive’s Choice; Riplees
and the Captains Black and White were acknowledge and congratulated.
“Keeper” trophies were presented to Club Champion Gross and Low Net winners
Penny Baziuk and Judy Begg (right photo). *Penny Baziuk absent
- awarded earlier. Judy was also awarded Low Net Championship Pin.
Parting Message: In closing, for my last message, I would like to express how very proud I have felt in having the opportunity to represent this Ladies Club as its Captain and what a great honor to have such a responsibility put my way. There are many highlights I will remember from the year, some of those being…
the BMO Canadian Women's Tour where I witnessed tremendous pride in the committee and members as they volunteered in all aspects of the event leaving an imprint on the RCGA that our club certainly has what it takes to host tournaments of that level and caliber
the birth of a new annual event for our fixtures list: “Executive Choice Charity” tournament
the 100th Anniversary of BC Women's Amateur Golf where, as captain, I was invited to the opening ceremony to represent our ladies club, and
to end the year… sharing the victory with my team players on the WHITE team, which won their first tournament in the Captain’s Black and White Match Play Event.
As this is the time for reflecting, it is also a time for thanks. Thanks to a very dedicated executive committee who take much pride in their responsibilities as well as in teamwork, and for their tireless effort in modernizing our administrative procedures. But most of all, for the new and old friendships that I have gained which most definitely will be carried on outside the realm of serving on the committee.
I wish your new Captain, Jane Oliver-Brown, well in her upcoming term, and trust that she will enjoy this chair as much as I have. I would also like to thank Jim Goddard, all the ProShop staff, course starters and marshals for their help and patience throughout the year and extend congratulations to the remaining and new members of the 2006 Executive Committee. I am certain that they too will have a fun and successful year. I have no doubt in my mind that this membership is in good hands with this committee at its helm. May the course be with you! Ursula.
Incoming Captain's Message
by Jane Oliver-Brown
Hello Ladies!
As your incoming Captain,
I would like to say farewell to our outgoing executive and welcome your
new executive committee members. We will be working hard to make
2005-2006 a great golf year at
If you can’t play winter club and are looking for some winter golf, do call into the ProShop and sign up for the Saturday Ladies' Breakfast Club. It starts November 4 and tee times are from 9:30 through 10:30 AM. (We will assign more if required). You can book in advance as a single, pair, foursome, etc. and it will continue every Saturday through the winter. There will be prizes every day based on net scores and will be awarded in the form of credits: 10 points for Best Net, 9 points for 2nd Best Net, etc. Credits can be accumulated and spent in the ProShop. Sounds like a great way to keep your game sharp over the winter! See you on the Course! Jane.
Event Co-ordinator's Message
by Cathie Keener
The final tournament event of the 2005 season (Black &
White) had everything!! Good competition, great scores and hail!!
On
the first day, Saturday, we had hail several times through the day. As
you can see, it deterred no one!! Tuesday
was the 2nd day of the team match play event and we were fortunate to
have excellent weather!!
The tournament had been decided on Saturday as the White Team
led by 7 points. The point spread remained at 7 by the end of Tuesday,
so the White Team won for the first time in the three years of the
tournament!
Congratulations to the WHITE TEAM!
Many ladies shot their years' personal best on the Tuesday so that simply added to the fun! This tournament wrapped up our tournament events for the 2005 season and we look forward to the 2006 season with more fun events! See you then, Cathie.
Outgoing Handicap Chair's
Message
by Leanne O'Keeffe
Congratulations to the following winners!
| Handicap Reduction Award: | Shirley Burstall |
| Susie Berry Award: | Phyllis Lowe |
Parting Message: I have really enjoyed my time as Handicap Chair. It has been a learning experience which included meeting nice women and working with a fabulous executive committee. See you on the course! Leanne.
Outgoing Sports Chair's Message
by Aggie Walle
Parting Message: It has been such a pleasure being the sports chair for the last two years. I have had the opportunity to meet and play golf with so many terrific ladies. The Executive from 2004 and 2005 has been so supportive and enjoyable to work with. The experience has been very rewarding for me – it has allowed me to play at a course that I really love and in the process give a little back.
A huge thank you to my volunteers who made my job so much easier – Dorothy Clarke, Gerri Salamatian, Roberta Williston, Leanne O’Keeffe and Karen Denike.
Congratulations to the following winners!
(Pins awarded by Karen Denike)
CLGA Pin Round winner - Lou Watkins
(280)
BCLGA Pin Round winner - Donna Pitcher (net 65)
CLGA Runner-Up - Marilyn Lowry (281)
*Most Chip-ins” Award Winners Carol Simson & Frances White (Tied with 5)
Hope to see you all out on the golf course! Aggie.
Outgoing Treasurer's Message
by Carole Shave
Parting Message: Cheers everyone!!!! I have enjoyed my time on executive - good colleagues - good friends - goodbye executive - hello to golf!
See you on the course! Carole.
Outgoing Social
Chair's Message
by Janet Jones
Parting Message: Thank you to all sponsors for your ongoing support that helps make tournaments possible. Also, thanks to Cathie Keener for her valued help. I had a blast the last two years working on the Ladies Executive Committee and look forward to seeing you out on the course. See you on the course! Janet.
Secretary's Message
by Jina McCaffree
With the first year of my two-year term under my belt, I can say with confidence that being on the Cordova Bay Ladies Executive has been a great experience. At times it has been very challenging, lots of hard work but most of all lots of fun. We were a great team that developed into special friendships and I will miss the ladies who are retiring this year.
Sometimes I got so involved in the meetings that I forgot my main job was to “take the minutes”. Luckily if I missed anything, the members of the executive were there to help.
This year I volunteered to solicit and organize the volunteers for both the Men’s and Ladies Club Championship. A lot of members responded positively and I must say it was a very rewarding experience to know that so of you were willing to help and at the same time have fun doing it.
We have an energetic ladies club with wonderful members who are there to help out when necessary and I wish to thank all the volunteers for their efforts over the years.
I am looking forward very much to another year as Secretary with our new executive and know we will have a successful time. See you on the course! Jina.
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